Digital phone calls only for new customers of BT

TELECOMS giant BT is taking the next step in the controversial rollout of its so-called Digital Voice programme next week – when it will stop offering old phone lines to new customers.

Digital Voice will see households switched over from traditional handsets to new digital ones which are plugged into an electricity supply and need a broadband connection. This autumn it is also targeting London residents with the new technology. Phone users will have to plug digital adaptors or a new handset into internet sockets and an electricity supply if they still want to make calls.

Over the next two years, BT plans to get at least ten million homes on to the new digital system. In total, 29million homes must go digital as part of a Government plan to ditch old copper phone lines in favour of people making calls over the internet using ‘voice over internet protocol’ (VoIP) technology.

Most users will not notice any change in sound quality but critics have pointed out that if there is a power cut the new phone lines stop working – leaving vulnerable households unable to make 999 emergency calls. Those wearing health pendants at home may also find the device no longer works with the new technology – while fire and burglar alarms linked to emergency service phone lines make also stop working. BT was forced to shelve its initial rollout plans last year after The Mail on Sunday exposed how the new technology leaves those in isolated areas potentially abandoned in a power cut. It has since consulted with a ‘digital voice advisory group’ and decided those aged over 70 or who wear a health pendant will not be targeted for at least a year.